Clinical Nurse Consultant - Specialist Dementia Care Program
Location: Sunshine Hospital
Employment Type: Fixed Term, Part Time
Salary: RPN Grade 5 (NP51), OT Grade 4 - Year 1 to 4 (HR9 to HR12), SW Grade 4 - Year 1 to 4 (HR25 to HR28)
About The Role
The Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) is an initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Health, delivered through a partnership agreement between the Australian Government and the State and Territory governments. Clinical support for the program is provided by relevant state services, in this case Western Health Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Division. Approved residential aged care providers can apply for program grants to establish dedicated SDCP units within their facility.
The SDCP is grounded in a psychosocial, person-centred and goal-oriented philosophy and approach to care. This model builds on and maintains the strengths and capacity of individuals, guided by service delivery principles. There will be a focus on understanding the person in care, their life story and how this may contribute to their behavioural expressions.
Role of the Clinical Nurse Consultant / Allied Health Clinical Specialist
The Clinical Specialist provides expert clinical support within a participating aged care facility, working directly with individuals experiencing severe BPSD (typically behaviours consistent with Tier 6 of the Brodaty et al. model).
These Individuals
- Cannot be appropriately supported within standard aged care settings, and
- Do not require care more appropriately provided in acute or specialist health services.
The Clinical Specialist role focuses on delivering intensive support, with an emphasis on stabilising and reducing symptoms over time to facilitate the individual’s transition to a less intensive setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Demonstrating advanced clinical skills and delivering evidence-based, best-practice care.
- Applying a person-centred, life-story-informed approach to understand and respond to behavioural expressions.
- Upholding a restraint-free care philosophy, minimising restrictive practices in line with aged care standards.
- Maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Standards, ensuring that all care aligns with national expectations and regulatory requirements.
About Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a diverse and rapidly growing community. With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers high-quality, person-centred care across hospital, community, and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborns.
Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital, Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital, plus several community health and aged care facilities. Western Health is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a safe environment for children and young people involved in our services.
Compensation, Benefits and Learning
- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
- Health and wellbeing programs, including versatile work arrangements.
- Scholarships and grants to support continuous learning.
- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
- Mentorship and career support.
Community impact and inclusion
- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.
Organisational culture and environment
- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re passionate about delivering complex evidence-based therapeutic interventions to people with BPSD and their family/carers, and have an interest in providing education and consultation within the broader MHWS, we’d love to hear from you. Click the “apply” button and follow the prompts.
If you are currently employed at Western Health, sign in through the "Employee Login" via the external Careers Page or intranet before applying.
Closing date: 11:59pm on 14 October 2025.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, contact Suzi Kindler or Melinda Radonich on.
Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Western Health is committed to providing a protected environment for children and young people involved in our services. All appointments are subject to Police Record Check, Immunisation Status Clearance and Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.
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📌 Clinical Nurse Consultant - Specialist Dementia Care Program
🏢 Western Health
📍 Melbourne